Spring element unit for a padding element, particularly a mattress

ABSTRACT

A spring element unit for a padding element, especially a mattress, comprises a plurality of spring elements. The spring element consists of an open-cell polyurethane flexible foam material and comprises at least one recess. Such a spring element unit is used in a padding element, especially a mattress, which comprises a base body for receiving the spring element unit. Such a spring element unit prevents a build-up of heat and humidity between the body and the supporting padding element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

National stage application of PCT/EP2007/055062.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a spring element unit comprising aplurality of spring elements for a padding element, particularly amattress. It furthermore relates to a padding element, particularly amattress, comprising a base body and one such spring element unit.

In known inner spring mattresses fabric pocketed metal coils areprovided as spring elements, such a metal spring core also being termeda Bonnel coil core or pocketed spring core. The metal spring core istopped by a foamed padding made as a rule from slabstock foam engineeredto feature a specific elasticity. Known furthermore are foamedmattresses incorporating wire coils worked into the foamed core.

2. Description of Related Art

Known from German patent DE 299 18 893 U1 is a padding element forfurniture and mattresses in which a plurality of spring elements arecombined into a composite sheet. In this context the spring elements ofmade of sheep's wool and pocketed in cotton, the top ends of thepocketed coils forming the later surface to take the weight. To createan expansive padding element a plurality of spring elements is arrangedjuxtposed and each connected to the other, preferably by stitching, intorows.

Known furthermore from German patent DE 39 37 214 A1 is a paddingelement as a recliner, the mattress part of which is made of an elasticmaterial, such as foamed plastics, featuring a plurality of juxtaposedchannels into which fillings are inserted, resulting in the mattresspart having zones differing in elasticity over its reclining portion.These fillings can be made of an elastic material corresponding to thatof the mattress part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With these known padding elements, particularly in application formattresses, there is the drawback that heat and humidity build upbetween body and the supporting padding element. This is even more of aproblem with mattresses since the heat and humidity collects more so bythe sleeper being covered, especially where the body is in contact withthe reclining zone of the mattress.

The invention is based on the object of proposing a spring element unitand a padding element which prevent heat and humidity building upbetween body and the supporting padding element.

To achieve this object it is provided for in a spring element unit ofthe aforementioned kind that the spring element is made of an open-cellflexible polyurethane foam and that at least one recess is provided inthe spring element.

The spring element unit in accordance with the invention is based onhaving discovered the benefits of molding the spring element from anelastic flexible polyurethane foam and providing at least one recess.The recess serves to dissipate heat and humidity, respectively to enableair to flow in the direction of the supporting surface of theseating/recliner assembly. In other words the recess forms an air duct.It is basically possible to provide the spring element with a pluralityof recesses. Since the spring element is made of a breathable flexiblefoam this additionally enhances dissipation of heat and humidity by anair flow to the supporting surface.

On top of this, it is easy to form the flexible polyurethane foam intoany shape as required so that any shape of spring element can beproduced to comply with the particularly application and the wantedmaterial characteristics such as elasticity and permeability. Inaddition to this, flexible polyurethane foam advantageously featuresgood long-term or fatigue strength performance.

Furthermore, the spring element is now void of any metal, i.e. therebeing no need for metallic inserts such as steel coils, for example, thespring element unit in accordance with the invention is accordinglyparticularly suitable for persons sensitive to magnetic radiationemanating from metallic objects.

Each spring element can be produced with differing materialcharacteristics, but especially as regards its indentation hardness inthus being parcelled into a spring element unit wherein each springelement can be replaced where necessary.

The spring element unit in accordance with the invention is compatiblewith a wealth of applications, it being suitable, among other things,for a mattress, but just as well for a seat, particularly an automotiveor aircraft seat. In this arrangement the spring element unit inaccordance with the invention can be employed for padding both the seatand the back. In addition, the spring element unit in accordance withthe invention finds application in upholstered furniture.

Advantageous aspects of the spring element unit in accordance with theinvention form the subject matter of claims 2 to 9.

In one advantageous aspect the recess totally penetrates the springelement in the axial direction thereof. Thus, the spring element mayfeature, for example, a first face and a second face, the recess thenextending from the first face through to the second face. To form asuitable air duct the recess is preferably oriented substantiallyvertical to the first face and second face.

In another advantageous aspect the spring element is made of moldedfoam. For this purpose in producing the spring element a reactantmixture is filled into the foaming mold and foamed into the final shape.To achieve this, the foaming mold is already engineered so that thespring element is provided with the recess during foaming. Thiseliminates the need for any subsequent machining of the spring elementto produce the recess. It is in this way that simply by means of foaminga one-piece spring element is produced featuring a suitable punctiformelasticity and an enhanced breathing performance. In addition to this itis also possible to create a one-piece spring element unit incorporatingseveral spring elements.

To advantage the recess is arranged roughly in the middle, resulting inthe spring element complying practically symmetrically in taking theweight of the body so that the individual portions of the spring elementare stressed practically uniformly. In addition, the recess can bepositioned to achieve a predefined compliance in taking the weight ofthe body.

As regards shaping the recess it is of advantage that the recess has astraight or curved shape cross-sectionally and/or longitudinally. Such ashaping also involves a straight or curved shape portionally andcombined. In this arrangement shaping the recess permits controlling ortweaking the compliance of the spring element in taking the weight ofthe body. Furthermore, the shape of the recess may vary along its extentwithin the spring element, by it being, for example, conical.

As regards shaping the spring element mainly with respect to its outershell the choice is practically unlimited, but preferably a barrel ortubular shape, i.e. having a cornered or round basis involving, forexample, an at least three, particularly eight-cornered, right circularor elliptical geometry is a choice. Also available to choice is to varythe cross-section shape over the height of the spring element unit by itbeing waisted, for instance. Shaping the outer shell of the springelement in this way likewise permits tweaking its compliance in takingthe weight of the body.

In another advantageous aspect a plurality of spring elements isarranged juxtaposed, interconnected materially positively, preferablyadhesively bonded, enabling a spring element unit to be composed of anynumber of spring elements. Such different packs of spring elements canbe combined to form a supporting surface, each pack featuring, forexample, a different elasticity to better satisfy the requirements inthe various reclining or seating zones. It is furthermore of advantagethat the material positive connection is at least in part elastic toprevent a rigid interconnection of the spring elements.

Expediently the spring elements are arranged juxtaposed such that aclearance exists in a portion between the shell surfaces of juxtaposedspring elements. This clearance is preferably achieved by suitablyselecting the shape of the spring element in taking into account itscomposite compilation. For example, an octagonal basic shape is suitablefor the spring element. The clearance formed between the spring elementscan be likewise used to dissipate heat and humidity from the seating orreclining surface.

Furthermore in achieving the aforementioned object as it reads fromclaim 10 a padding element, particularly a mattress, comprising a basebody and a spring element unit is proposed.

Such a padding element exploits the advantages afforded by the springelement unit in accordance with the invention, this in addition, doingaway with the complications of interconnecting a plurality of springelements by tapes or pocketings and incorporating them in the core ofthe mattress. Furthermore, the base body is preferably engineered in afoamed material, resulting in the padding element being totally free ofmetal. In addition to this the base body is easy to produce from aslabstock foam to any size. As regards the advantages of the springelement unit, preferably produced separately, reference is made to theabove comments.

Advantageous aspects of the padding element in accordance with theinvention are claimed in claims 11 to 22.

In one advantageous embodiment the base body comprises at least onecavity in which the spring element unit is accommodated. This permitslocating on the base of the cavity a plurality of spring elementsjuxtaposed as a spring element unit and supported at the sides, forexample, by a surrounding wall of the base body. Preferably the springelement unit has the same height as the cavity. Relative to the base ofthe base body the cavity may be provided in a portion designed tocushion the shoulders or buttocks. It may also be configured as just asole cavity extending substantially full length. It is furthermore ofadvantage to provide a recliner with a cavity for the shoulders andanother cavity for resting the buttocks.

In another preferred aspect a cover body is provided for placement onthe spring element unit and/or on the base body, the cover body beingmaterially positively connected, preferably adhesively bonded, to thebase body and/or the spring element unit. It is particularly when arecess is provided in the base body that the cover body forms a kind oflid in thus functioning as a top closure of the padding element.Preferably the cover body is made of flexible polyurethane foam. As analternative the cover body can be formed by a breathable layer,particularly breathable ticking.

To ensure the spring element unit is durably securely positionedrelative to the base body the spring element unit has a materialpositive connection, it being preferably adhesively bonded to the basebody. This connection is preferably made at the underside of the springelement unit, i.e. in the region of the surface which communicates theweight of the person resting on the padding element to the base body. Incase the spring element unit is located in a cavity of the base body,the spring element unit can be connected by its side surfaces to theedge surface of the base body bordering the recess at least portionallyas an alternative or additionally.

In yet another advantageous aspect the base body and/or the cover bodyare made of a flexible polyurethane foam. Preferably the base body ismade from slabstock foam to permit fully automated, continuousproduction whilst eliminating the need for a multitude of feedstockmaterials to be stocked for production of spring element unit and basebody.

To advantage the base body and/or the cover body are made of flexiblepolyurethane foam to thus enable the complete padding element to be madeof one basic material.

It is furthermore an advantage when the indentation hardness of thespring element unit differs from the indentation hardness of the basebody and/or of the cover body. Preferably the indentation hardness ofthe spring element unit is in a range of roughly 40 N to roughly 350 N,preferably in a range of roughly 60 N to roughly 260 N.

In still a further advantageous embodiment the base body and/or thecover body comprise nicks parallel to each other. Material from thenicks may be removed or not. In addition, the nicks can be provided bothlengthwise and crosswise, by means of which the surface tension nativeto the material of the base body or cover body is reduced.

To achieve portions of differing hardness the nicks are differinglyspaced from each other in certain zones, for example in the shoulderzone or buttocks zone. Thus, in the region of the shoulder zone addedsoftness is achieved by the nicks being spaced closer together, allowingthe shoulders to sink in softer and deeper, whereas zones featuringnicks spaced further away from each other add to the springiness in thusoffering more support.

It is furthermore of advantage when the nicks comprise an insweptsplayed cross-section, particularly a droplet-shaped cross-section,additionally enhancing the aeration.

To advantage the base body and/or the cover body are made of slabstockfoam so that they can be continuously produced to any size as sold bythe meter. Base body and cover body can be simply cut to size by theirgeometry being simple. Furthermore the at least one cavity can be simplymachined automated.

To advantage the spring element unit is made of molded foam, thislikewise simplifying production. In addition to this, the spring elementproduced by molded foaming is easy to locate, preferably likewise fullyautomated, on the base body or in a cavity of the base body afterdemolding, especially the recess in the spring element proving to be ofassistance in this respect.

In conclusion it may be provided for that the cover body comprisesbreathable ticking. Such ticking may be provided as an alternative or inaddition, to the aforementioned flexible polyurethane foam material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The invention will now be explained with reference to the diagrammaticillustrations of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a first embodiment of the springelement unit in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1 b is a horizontal section through the spring element unit asshown in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c is a vertical section through the spring element unit as shownin FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal section through further embodiments of the springelement unit in accordance with the invention as an alternative to thatas shown in FIG. 1 b;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section through further embodiments of the springelement unit in accordance with the invention as an alternative to thatas shown in FIG. 1 c;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section through a spring element unit comprisingseveral spring elements in accordance with the invention as shown inFIG. 1 a;

FIG. 5 a is a vertical section through a first embodiment of the paddingelement in accordance with the invention comprising a plurality ofspring element units as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 b is a top-down view of the base body of the padding element 30as shown in FIG. 5 a without cover body;

FIG. 6 a is a vertical section through a second embodiment of thepadding element in accordance with the invention comprising a pluralityof spring element units as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 b is a top-down view of the base body of the padding element asshown in FIG. 6 a without cover body;

FIG. 7 a is a longitudinal section through a third embodiment of thepadding element in accordance with the invention comprising a pluralityof spring element units as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 b is a top-down view of the base body of the padding element asshown in FIG. 7 a without cover body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 a to 1 c there is illustrated a spring element10, a plurality of which makes up the spring element unit 20 as shown inFIG. 4. The spring element unit 20 finds application in a paddingelement 30, for example in the form of a mattress, as shown in FIGS. 5 ato 7 b.

The spring element 10 consists exclusively of an elastic open-cellflexible polyurethane foam and is produced by molded foaming. Thecylindrical spring element 10 comprises a side shell 16, a top end 14and a bottom end 15. The top end 14 and the bottom end 15 are orientedsubstantially parallel to the resting surface. As particularly evidentfrom FIG. 1 b the spring element 10 comprises an octagonal base sectionconstant over the full height of the spring element 10, so that theshell 16 is made up of vertical jointing face 17 and inclined side face18.

Provided in the middle of the spring element 10 is a recess 12 extendingaxially, produced by a corresponding configuration of the foaming mold.The recess 12 has a circular cross-section (as sectioned horizontally)constant in shape over the height (as sectioned vertically) and servesas an air passage for heat and humidity dissipation.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 there is illustrated as an alternative,how the spring element 10 and/or the recess 12 may be shaped, merely byway of example, in which also the side wall sections and recess shapescan be combined. As evident from FIG. 2 the spring element 10 assectioned horizontally features a straight or curved shape, at leastsectionwise, by being, for example circular elliptical or hexagonal inshape. Furthermore, as evident from FIG. 3, as viewed in a verticalsection, the cross-section of the spring element 10 may vary in heightby being, for example, curved in shape, especially waisted orsectionwise straight as, for example, a conical shape and alsocomprising shapes whose width and respectively the diameter of the topend 14, bottom end 15 are configured differingly large.

Referring now to FIG. 4 there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of aspring element unit 20 comprising a total of four spring elements 10 asshown in FIGS. 1 a to 1 c. The spring elements 10 arranged inline arematerially positively connected in the region of their facing jointingface 17 by means of an adhesively bonded connection. In this arrangementthe adhesive layer may be configured at least in part elastic to preventa rigid configuration of the connection. Due to the octagonal basicshape of the spring element 10 and the connection via the jointing face17, in addition to the individual recess 12 a clearance 28 is created inthe portion between the inclined side face 18 which likewise permitsdissipation of heat and humidity.

As an alternative to the spring element unit 20 as shown in FIG. 4involving four spring elements 10 other combinations with any number ofspring elements 10 are conceivable, it being in this way thatprefabricated packs or lines of spring elements 10 can be madeavailable.

On the basis of the spring element unit 20 as explained above and asshown in FIG. 4 several forms of configuring a padding element 30comprising a plurality of spring element units 20 will now be explainedwhich, as shown in FIGS. 5 a to 7 b substantially differ by the numberof spring element units 20 provided and by the configuration or numberof cavities 44 as a function thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 a to 7 b there is illustrated in each case apadding element 30 in the form of a mattress with a base body 40 formingthe core thereof, a cover body 50 and a plurality of spring elementunits 20 sandwiched between the cover body 50 and base body 40. Allcomponents of the padding element 30, i.e. the individual springelements 10 forming the spring element unit 20, the base body 40 and thecover body 50 are each made totally of an open-cell flexiblepolyurethane foam. In this arrangement the indentation hardness of thespring elements 10 is in the range of roughly 40 N to roughly 350 N,preferably roughly 60 N to roughly 260 N. The base body 40 comprises atop end 41, a bottom end 42 and a circumferential side surface 43.

All cavities 44 as shown in FIGS. 5 a to 7 b are preferably produced bymachining the corresponding volume of material from the foamed slabstockforming the base body 40. Each cavity 44 is defined by a substantiallyhorizontal base surface 45 and an edge surface 46 oriented substantiallyvertical on all sides. In all embodiments as set forth in FIGS. 5 a to 7b the spring element unit 20 is supported by the base body 40 such thatthe spring element unit 20 is nested in the cavity 44. In other wordsthe underside 24 of the spring element unit 20 rests on the base surface45. To ensure a stable and durable fixation of the spring element unit20 in the cavity 44 the underside 24 has a material positive connectionwith the base surface 45 by means of an adhesively bonded layer. Thisadhesively bonded layer may be provided to cover the full surface, instrips or merely punctiform. Between the side surface 26 of the springelement unit 20 and the edge surface 46 of the base body 40 a gap may beprovided at least sectionwise. The edging 47 remaining between the sidesurface 43 and the edge surface 46 is sufficiently thick to ensure sidefixation of the spring element unit 20.

As an alternative to this adhesively bonded connection the side surface26 of the spring element unit 20 is in contact with the edge surface 46on all sides. This contact is preferably achieved by an oversize fit,i.e. the dimensions of the cavity 44 are at least slightly smaller thanthe outer dimensions of the spring element unit 20.

After nesting the spring element unit 20 in the cavity 44 and fixationpreferably by means of an adhesively bonded layer the cover body 50 isplaced on the top end 41 of the base body 40 flush and materiallypositively connected to the base body 40 by means of an adhesivelybonded layer applied at least here and there. In addition, the undersideof the cover body 50 is adhesively bonded to the upper side 22 of thespring element unit 20. The cover body 50 comprises a correspondingthickness and/or corresponding material properties so that it isadequately breathable to ensure heat and humidity dissipation in thedirection of the spring element unit 20. In the example aspects as shownin FIGS. 5 a to 7 b the cover body 50 has a thickness of roughly 40 mm.As an alternative the cover body 50 can be formed by breathable ticking.

The shapes as configured evident from FIGS. 5 a to 7 b mainly differ bythe number of cavities 44 and their size. Thus, in the FIGS. 5 b and 7 bonly one cavity 44 is evident, whilst in FIG. 6 b two cavities 44 areconfigured. In FIG. 5 b the cavity 44 is arranged in a first zone A ofthe base body 40, i.e. in the shoulder zone. In FIG. 6 b a second cavity44 is additionally provided in a second zone B roughly in the zone ofthe buttocks and thighs. Disposed between the first zone A and the thirdzone C is the second zone B. In FIG. 7 b the cavity 44 extendspractically over the full surface area of the base body 40, the wall 47ensuring an adequate side fixation of the spring element unit 20.

In addition, the base body 40 and the cover body 50, as shown in FIGS. 5a to 7 b, comprise nicks 60 oriented parallel to each other. Inaddition, the nicks 60 in the region of the top side 52 of the coverbody 50 and in the region of the bottom end 42 of the base body 40 areincorporated in the form of a material recess. These nicks 60 reduce thesurface tension in thus contributing towards enhancing the punctiformelasticity of the padding element 30.

Referring still to FIGS. 5 a to 7 b there is illustrated how the nicks60 featured in the zones A, B, C are differingly spaced. Thus eachspacing between the nicks 60 in both the base body 40 and cover body 50in the region of the cavity 44, i.e. in FIG. 5 b in the first zone A andin FIG. 6 b in the third zone C is smaller than in the middle zone B asshown in FIGS. 5 b and 6 b. In other words the spacing of the nicks 60in the region of the spring element unit 20 is selected smaller so thatthe elasticity in these zones can be additionally tweaked by means ofthe nicks 60. For example, the elasticity can be increased by arrangingfor the spacing of the nicks 60 to be smaller. In the variants as shownin FIG. 7 b the nicks 60 are positioned in addition, in the region ofthe sole, expansive cavity 44 in several sub-portions differinglyspaced. It is in this way that the punctiform elasticity provided by thelarge surface area spring element unit 20 can be tweaked in detail.

In conclusion the nicks 60 as shown in FIGS. 7 b to 5 b differ from thenicks 60 as shown in FIG. 6 b by an inswept flared cross-section shapein the form of a droplet.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 spring element-   12 recess-   14 top end-   15 bottom end-   16 shell-   17 jointing face-   18 side face-   20 spring element unit-   22 upper side-   24 underside-   26 side surface-   28 clearance-   30 padding element-   40 base body-   41 top end-   42 bottom end-   43 side surface-   44 cavity-   45 base surface-   46 edge surface-   47 wall-   50 cover body-   52 top side-   54 bottom side-   60 nicks-   A first zone-   B second zone-   C third zone

1. A spring element unit comprising at least two spring elements for amattress wherein the spring element unit is made integrally of apolyurethane flexible foam by mold foaming, wherein the spring elementshave an octagonally shaped cross-section and a shell comprising jointingfaces and side faces, wherein the spring elements are placedside-by-side such that the jointing faces of neighboring spring elementsabut and a clearance is formed in an area between the side faces ofneighboring spring elements, wherein the spring element comprises atleast one recess as an air channel for dissipating moisture and a topend and a bottom end, wherein the recess extends end-to-end from the topend to the bottom end.
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. The spring elementunit as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the recess isarranged roughly in the middle.
 5. The spring element unit as set forthin claim 1, characterized in that the recess has a straight or curvedform cross-sectionally.
 6. The spring element unit as set forth in claim1, characterized in that the recess has a straight or curved shapelongitudinally.
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. Amattress, comprising a base body and at least one spring element unit,wherein the base body comprises at least one cavity and an edging,wherein the spring element unit is accommodated in the cavity and theedging laterally supports the spring element unit, wherein the springelement unit comprises a plurality of spring elements, wherein thespring elements and the base body each are made of an flexiblepolyurethane foam and wherein the indentation hardness of the springelement unit differs from the indentation hardness of the base body,wherein the spring elements in cross-section comprise a side shellcomprising jointing faces and side faces, wherein the spring elementsare placed side-by-side such that the jointing faces of neighboringspring elements abut each other and a clearance is formed between theside faces of neighboring spring elements, and wherein the springelement comprises at least one recess as an air channel for dissipatingmoisture and a top end and a bottom end, wherein the recess extendsend-to-end from the top end to the bottom end.
 11. (canceled) 12.(canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled) 21.(canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. The mattress as set forth in claim 10, inwhich the spring elements have an octagonal cross-section.
 24. Themattress as set forth in claim 10, in which the recess is arrangedroughly in the middle.
 25. The mattress as set forth in claim 10, inwhich the recess has a straight or curved, preferably a round, shapecross-sectionally.
 26. The mattress as set forth in claim 10, in whichthe recess has a straight or curved shape longitudinally.
 27. Themattress as set forth in claim 10, in which a cover body is provided forplacement on the spring element unit and/or on the base body, the coverbody being materially positively connected, preferably adhesivelybonded, to the base body and/or the spring element unit.
 28. Themattress as set forth in claim 10, in which the spring element unit ismaterially positively connected, preferably adhesively bonded to thebase body.
 29. The mattress as set forth in claim 27, in which the coverbody is made of a flexible polyurethane foam.
 30. The mattress as setforth in claim 27, in which the indentation hardness of the springelement unit differs from the indentation hardness of the cover body.31. The mattress as set forth in claim 10, in which the indentationhardness of the spring element unit is in a range of roughly 40 toroughly 350 N, preferably in a range of roughly 60 N to roughly 260 N.32. The mattress as set forth in claim 10, in which the base body and/orthe cover body comprise nicks parallel to each other.
 33. The mattressas set forth in claim 32, in which the nicks are differingly spaced fromeach other.
 34. The mattress as set forth in claim 32, in which thenicks comprise an inswept splayed cross-section, particularly adroplet-shaped cross-section.
 35. The mattress as set forth in claim 10,in which the base body and/or the cover body are made of slabstock foam.36. The mattress as set forth in claim 10, in which the spring elementunit is made of molded foam.
 37. The mattress as set forth in claim 27,in which the cover body comprises a breathable ticking.